Jakarta (ANTARA) - Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto has declared large-scale social distancing status for Jakarta to bolster measures to tackle the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In accordance with the health minister's decision, dated April 7, 2020, a copy of which was made available to ANTARA on Tuesday, the Jakarta administration is required to apply the status in line with the law and consistently encourage city dwellers to lead a clean and healthy lifestyle.

The status, which came into effect since Tuesday, will be implemented during the longest incubation period and can be extended in case of a spread of COVID-19.

Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan had suggested to the health minister to apply large-scale social distancing through a letter, dated April 1, 2020. A similar proposal for large-scale social distancing in the capital was also put forth by the executive chief of the COVID-19 Response Task Force through a letter, dated April 5, 2020.

However, the minister did not immediately approve the proposal. In its place, he called on the Jakarta governor to complete supporting data and documents as set forth in the health minister's decision number 6 of 2020.

The supporting data and documents encompass details on an increase in the number of coronavirus cases, local transmission of the virus, and the city government's preparedness to meet the basic requirements of local residents, offer health facilities, and provide operational funds as a social safety net intervention.

The number of coronavirus cases in Jakarta has continued to rise. According to the website corona jakarta.go.id, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the capital increased to 1,395, as of 11:50 a.m. local time on Tuesday, with 69 patients recovering, while 133 others having die of the disease.
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Translator: Aditya Ramadhan/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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